As the power of Germany and Italy expanded, both countries became bolder. Soon, they began making aggressive moves into other countries. In March of 1938, Germany annexed Austria with little response from the west. Encouraged by the lack of ire his move invoked, Hitler moved on the Sudentenland. This time, he was guaranteed no opposition if he stopped taking territory. This deal was struck with British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, which the Prime Minster proudly concluded guaranteed “peace in our time”. Hitler of course continued his moves across Czechoslovakia eventually taking it over as well.

Alarmed that Hitler was making threats towards Poland, France and Britain guaranteed their support for Polish independence while Germany and Italy formalized their own Pact of Steel.